Nucleoli Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ
nucleoli
[njuหหklษสlaษช ]
Definition
cell biology
Nucleoli are small, dense structures found within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. They are primarily associated with the production and assembly of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosomes, which are critical for protein synthesis. The nucleolus is not surrounded by a membrane, and it often appears as a dark spot within the nucleus under a microscope. There can be one or multiple nucleoli present in a nucleus, depending on the cell type and its activity level. The size and number of nucleoli can also change in response to cellular activity and stress.
Examples of usage
- The nucleoli are essential for ribosome biogenesis.
- Scientists observed changes in nucleoli during cell division.
- Nucleoli can be used as markers for cellular activity.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Nucleoli are not membrane-bound; they are formed by the gathering of proteins and RNA inside the nucleus.
- Each cell can have one or multiple nucleoli, depending on its activity level and the amount of protein synthesis happening.
- They play a crucial role in making ribosomal RNA (rRNA), essential for protein production in the cell.
Research
- Studies show that the size and number of nucleoli can indicate a cellโs growth status and activity in cancer research.
- Nucleoli are involved in stress responses; during times of cellular stress, their structure can change, affecting protein synthesis.
History
- Historically, the understanding of nucleoli advanced with the development of microscopy, allowing scientists to see cellular structures more clearly.
- In the late 19th century, scientists like Camillo Golgi and Santiago Ramรณn y Cajal contributed to defining cell organelles, including nucleoli.
Popular Culture
- Nucleoli are often featured in educational content and animations about cell biology, helping to visualize cell functions in a simple way.
- They inspire creative representations in art, where they might symbolize the core of knowledge or lifeโs building blocks.
Origin of 'nucleoli'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'seed', combined with the Latin suffix '-oli', indicating 'small'.
- Nucleoli were first identified in the 1830s and were named to reflect their round, kernel-like shape found within the nucleus.
The term 'nucleolus' comes from the Latin word 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'core', combined with the diminutive suffix '-olus', indicating something small. This term has been used in scientific literature since the mid-19th century, when advances in microscopy allowed scientists to observe cellular structures more clearly. The study of nucleoli began to expand with the understanding of cell biology and genetics in the 20th century. Nucleoli play a vital role in the cellular processes of eukaryotes, specifically in ribosome production, connecting the importance of nucleoli to fundamental biological functions. Over the years, research into nucleolar structure and function has provided significant insights into health and disease, particularly in cancer research, where nucleolar activity is often linked to cell proliferation.